VSG_lauren

Tomorrow is the big day for me.. I'm so grateful for this forum and people who are willing to be open about their experiences. I pray that I do not have complications, but I know it's a risk worth taking. Please keep me in your prayers

Glad to report that after the initial few days of misery... It has subsided and I'm feeling much better everyday! It's important to be prepared for how awful you will probably feel initially after surgery.. But recovery is rather quick so just keep the goal in mind! Thank you for everyone's thoughts and prayers

Pain has a lot to do with the individual and their own thresholds. For me I have a pretty high tolerance for pain, but this is still a major surgery. The worst pain for me was the drain being pulled out and gas pains that were in my back. However, the pain meds made me so sick so I stopped them after the second day. Even with anti-nausea medication, the nausea was bad. I ended up vomiting twice. Once from the meds and once right after the barium swallow test. The pain from vomiting wasn't from my stomach, it was from the drain moving. Ouch! Once I stopped the meds and they got out of my system I started feeling better other than the back pain from gas. I walked and walked but the only thing that helped my back was time and my hubby was nice enough to rub my back a couple times... but time is what made it better. I never had neck or shoulder pain as other describe. Today is my 4th post op day.. and I'm feeling great considering a huge part of my stomach was cut off 4 days ago lol. The first two days were hell in terms of how I felt overall. I had thoughts of regret big time, but I just kept reminding myself why I decided to make this decision and how so many have gone through the same thing. Don't preoccupy yourself with nervousness just keep the thoughts of positivity in your mind!

The first couple days were pretty rough for me, but just remember the goal and you will get through it

Thank you.. Because right now I just feel miserable. I'm hoping by next week I'll feel much better.

Well today is day 2... Full of ups and downs but hoping the worst is over. It definitely give you time to think.. Part of me is hoping that all of this is worth it and the other part isn't convinced... I know it's natural to question while you're in pain.. But I know I spent a lot of time deciding to do it.. And there's no going back now lol

Thank you all so much! I appreciate you guys taking your time to offer thoughts and encouragement! God bless!

I'm in Lakeland... And there aren't any local surgeons here. I researched a ton and decided to go with Dr. Shillingford in Boca Raton.

Hey there!!! Yes let's connect and go through our journeys together!!

My date is set for September 22 with Dr. Shillingford! Excited and nervous!

Feel comfortable in my own skin and cross my legs..

Awesome!!! Where are you?

Saw my surgeon today! Surgery is tentatively set for September 25! So excited for the future!

I am new to the forum! I am so excited about WLS. I have my consultation appointment on 8/13/14 to discuss VSG... I can't wait! Like many others I have been overweight the majority of my life. I know once I've met my goal weight, it will be an adjustment. I've always been the "big girl" and that mentality will need to change..... so as for me outside of WLS: I am happily married to the Marine of my dreams! No kids yet, but we have our dog that we love and adore! I work in the Human Resources field and love my job. Besides being a food addict, life is good! I am a makeup artist part time as well which is such a blessing because I get to help women feel more beautiful! My husband and I love to travel! I have also lived overseas for a few years which really made me appreciate and love the US so much. I think everyone should have to live overseas so they can appreciate how wonderful our country really is! I also LOVE to cook, but I think that is fueled by my love for food... so after the surgery, we will see how that changes. Even though I love girlie stuff like makeup and hair, I am also a tomboy at times... I love cars and I love to fix things around the house. Above all, I love God! I am so blessed and to have the opportunity to have VSG is yet another huge blessing from the Lord. I'm so thankful for this forum too... it's such a wealth of information and support!

Meeting with my surgeon, Dr, Shillingford in Boca Raton, FL on August 13 and will hopefully be scheduling the surgery date! I will be trying for late August or early September...I'm cash pay so shouldn't have too many hoops to jump through! I'm so excited for everyone here!

I was prescribed Phentermine for weight loss... it changed my life forever. Unknown to me or my doctor, I had a congenital arrhythmia that didn't surface until I took the Phentermine. Now even the smallest amount of caffeine will trigger a bad episode and I have to take an anti-arrhythmic drug. Thankfully, it is under control, but only if I take my medication. When I was prescribed Phentermine I lived outside of the US, so the regulation on it wasn't strict and my heart was not monitored (as they do in the US)... so I was on Phentermine for about 4 months. It was too long... sure I lost about 60 lbs on it, but as SOON as you stop it (which you will have to eventually) the weight comes back. After being on it for so long I couldn't have a conversation with anyone because my brain was moving too fast for my words to keep up... it has the same effect on your body and mind as speed. NOT WORTH IT.

I totally understand why many people would want to keep having surgery a secret because I too am a private person. However, I think telling people would be a positive thing because not many people talk about it. As someone who hasn't had the surgery yet, I would feel happy for people if they lost weight, but then I would feel worse about myself wondering why so many people can lose weight and I can't. I know some people are mean and will say stupid things or be judgmental... but when I have surgery, I will not be keeping it a secret... because if it helps even one person, then it will be worth hearing the other comments.